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Last Name Ogasawara

What is the origin of the last name Ogasawara?

Ogasawara is a Japanese last name that originated from the Ogasawara clan, a prominent samurai clan that ruled over the Ogasawara domains during the Edo period in Japan. The clan's ancestral lands were located in the Ogasawara Village of Shinano Province (now Nagano Prefecture). Members of the Ogasawara clan played significant roles in Japanese history as samurai warriors, military leaders, and government officials. Today, the Ogasawara surname is still relatively common in Japan.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Ogasawara

The ethnic identity associated with the Ogasawara surname, as derived from the Decennial U.S. Census data, predominantly falls under Asian/Pacific Islander, although there has been a minor decline from 87.42% in 2000 to 85.13% in 2010. The percentage of those identifying with two or more races saw an increase of 19.85%, climbing from 6.60% in 2000 to 7.91% in 2010. White ethnicity also saw a significant increase of 39.36%, rising from 4.09% in 2000 to 5.70% in 2010. The census data showed no representation of the Hispanic, Black, American Indian, and Alaskan Native ethnicities among those carrying the Ogasawara surname in 2010.

20002010Change
Asian/Pacific Islander87.42%85.13%-2.62%
Two or More Races6.6%7.91%19.85%
White4.09%5.7%39.36%
Hispanic1.89%0%0%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ogasawara

The meaning and origin of the last name Ogasawara

Ogasawara is a Japanese surname with origins tracing back to ancient Japan. The name is believed to have originated from the Ogasawara clan, a powerful samurai family that emerged during the feudal period in Japan. The clan was known for its military strength and loyalty to the ruling shogunate. The surname Ogasawara is derived from the name of a village in the Kanto region of Japan, which was where the clan originally resided. The kanji characters for Ogasawara can be interpreted to mean "small marsh" or "oak swamp," reflecting the geographical features of the village. Today, individuals with the surname Ogasawara can be found throughout Japan and around the world, carrying on the legacy of their distinguished ancestral clan.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ogasawara

The last name Ogasawara is predominantly found in Japan, specifically in the Ogasawara Islands, which are located approximately 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo. The islands are mainly inhabited by descendants of settlers from the mainland, many of whom carry the Ogasawara surname. The name can also be found in other parts of Japan, with a concentration in the Kanto region where the islands are located. Additionally, there are some individuals with the surname Ogasawara living in other countries, primarily in North America and Hawaii, likely descendants of Japanese immigrants who have spread out across the globe. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Ogasawara is primarily centered in Japan, with a smaller presence in other regions as a result of migration and globalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ogasawara

Ogasawara is a Japanese surname that can also be spelled as Ohgasawara or Oogasawara. Other variations of the name include Ogasawaga, Ogasavara, and Ogusawara. The surname is common in Japan and is believed to have originated from the Ogasawara clan, which is a prominent noble family in Japanese history. The name is derived from the Ogasawara Islands, a remote volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that is part of Tokyo. The Ogasawara Islands were named after a samurai lord who was granted control of the islands in the 16th century. Today, the Ogasawara surname is still prevalent in Japan and among Japanese communities around the world.

Famous people with the last name Ogasawara

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Ogasawara is Masahide Ogasawara, a former professional baseball player from Japan who gained recognition for his skills as a second baseman. He spent the majority of his career playing for the Yomiuri Giants in the Nippon Professional Baseball league and was known for his powerful batting and reliable fielding. Another notable figure with the surname Ogasawara is Princess Yōkō Ogasawara, a member of the Japanese imperial family who is known for her contributions to traditional Japanese dance and music. She has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors and is regarded as a symbol of grace and elegance in Japanese society.

Genealogical research on the last name Ogasawara

The surname Ogasawara is of Japanese origin and is derived from the name of a city in Japan. The Ogasawara clan is a prominent samurai family that can trace its lineage back to the Heian period (794-1185). The clan was founded by Fujiwara no Hidesato, a powerful warrior who was granted the Ogasawara lands in recognition of his military achievements. The Ogasawara family played a significant role in Japanese history, holding positions of authority and influence within the shogunate government. Today, descendants of the Ogasawara clan can still be found in Japan, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors. Researching the genealogy of the Ogasawara surname can provide insight into the rich history and traditions of this notable family. Overall, the Ogasawara name holds a significant place in Japanese culture and history.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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